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The main distinguishing feature of the Tablet S is its "unique asymmetric design" in which the thickness of the device tapers from 20.6 to 10.1 mm (0.81 to 0.40 in). This "wrap" effect is intended to evoke an "open paperback stuffed into the back pocket, or a magazine folded backward upon itself such that only a single page is visible to read," and reduces the amount of torque while being held.[3] Sony claims that this "off-center of gravity design realizes stability and ease of grip as well as a sense of stability and lightness, offering comfortable use for hours."[4]

The Tablet S features a 9.4 inches (240 millimetres), 1280×800 pixel resolution, TFT LCD using Sony's proprietary TruBlack Display—the same technology as that used in the company's Bravia range of televisions.[5]

Like other Android devices, the Tablet S has no hardware navigation buttons, which are all implemented via persistent on-screen buttons. The only physical buttons present on the device are the power button and volume rocker located in the recessed area on one side.

The Tablet S1 was initially launched with Android 3.1 Honeycomb, but a 3.2 update was made available soon after its release.[9] Also, it received an upgrade to Android 4.0.3 at the end of April (in Japan and the US).[10] It uses a customized version of the operating system. Features and applications unique to the Sony device include:[11]

A customizable row of most frequently used icons on the top-left of the screen

Although Sony Tablet S is a PlayStation Certified device, an update to the Playstation Store disabled all such devices from being able to purchase PS one classics.[12] Instead, only original content will be available for purchase by Tablet S owners.

In September 2012, Sony Tablet S received a major update to Android 4.0.3 Release 5a,[13] which brought the following notable changes:

The Sony Tablet S was confirmed for an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which would have arrived in February 2013.[16] However, the Jelly Bean 4.1 update was unofficially cancelled when Sony posted (and later removed) in their community message board stating "we do not have a roadmap to release the Jelly Bean update for the 1st Generation Tablet (Sony Tablet S)."[17]

Reviewers have largely been positive towards the Sony Tablet S, praising its unique ("thoroughly renovated"[18]) design. The Wall Street Journal said that "the Tablet S will appeal to buyers who would like a distinctive tablet from a trusted company that doesn't look like an iPad wannabe"[19] while PC World said "[Sony] has not lost its design mojo over the years, as this model brings Sony's originality and flair to a tablet market that desperately needs both."[20] Asher Moses from the Sydney Morning Herald called it "best Android tablet yet."[21]

Negative comments are directed at the device's high price and poor build quality. Tech blog Gizmodo called it "plasticky" and pointed out that Sony's use of inferior materials to save on weight led to their unit getting "seriously scratched during a totally routine photo shoot" and commented that it would "smash into a million pieces" if dropped.[22]Time observed that the Tablet S falls short of Sony's aspirations to compete with the iPad, with reviewer Jared Newman quoting Sony CEO Howard Stringer's comments, and saying "if the Tablet S is what Stringer has in mind, I weep for Sony’s future."[23] The ExpertReviews wrote that the absence of video output was an annoying drawback.[14] Some reviewers criticize the tablet for Low-res screen and ageing software.[18]